Microsoft: Windows 7 is done, on its way to manufacturers

Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have hit the …

Microsoft today announced that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have hit the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) milestone. The software giant still has a lot of work to do, but the bigger responsibility now falls to OEMs that must get PCs ready, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that are testing their new apps, and Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs) that are preparing their new hardware.

The RTM build is 7600, but it is not the same one that leaked less than two weeks ago (7600.16384). We speculated that Microsoft may end up recompiling build 7600 until it is satisfied, but it only took the company one more shot to get it right: 7600.16385 is the final build number. Microsoft refused to share the full build string, but if you trust leaks from a few days ago, it's "6.1.7600.16385.090713-1255," which indicates that the final build was compiled over a week ago: July 13, 2009, at 12:55pm. This would be in line with the rumored RTM date but it is also the day Microsoft stated that Windows 7 had not yet hit RTM. Although the final build had been compiled, Microsoft still had to put it through testing before christening it as RTM.

Who gets it when?

OEMs will be the first to get their mitts on the final Windows 7 code, with the English-language version being sent out on July 24 and remaining languages on July 28. They're first in line as they need to prepare Windows 7 for new PCs. Next up are ISVs and IHVs, who can grab the RTM build from Microsoft Connect and MSDN on August 6, as can MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Volume License customers with Software Assurance are next, with the English-language version available to them on August 7 and other languages shortly thereafter.

Partner Program Gold/Certified members gain access on August 16 and Action Pack subscribers on August 23 with access to the other languages to come by October 1. Last up are consumers, who can purchase Windows 7 on October 22.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 7 testers will not be getting a free copy of the new operating system, as Windows Vista testers received the Ultimate edition for sending in at least one bug. The company suggested that this might happen back when invites to test the operating system were sent in December 2008. Therefore, unless they fall into one of the other categories above, beta testers will have to wait like all other consumers until October 22.

Family Pack for Windows 7

On the Windows 7 Team Blog Microsoft confirmed rumors from earlier last month about a three-computer "Family Pack" deal for Windows 7 Home Premium: "I'm happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to three PCs." Microsoft refused, however, to disclose when the pack would become available or how much it would go for, though many are expecting the price tag to be $150.

Microsoft started work on Windows 7 with partners much earlier than it did with Windows Vista, and beta testers are reporting that the decision has paid off thus far. Whether that is true or not will become evident in the coming months. Today's major announcement follows pricing details made in June 2009 and edition details made in February 2009.

Microsoft refused, however, to disclose when the pack would become available or how much it would go for, though many are expecting the price tag to be $150.

I seriously doubt it would be that little, as each license would effectively be $50! That would be the steal of the century for Microsoft's software.. but they may prove me wrong if that really is the case. More likely though, it's probably going to be $200 or higher to preserve profit margins

Microsoft refused, however, to disclose when the pack would become available or how much it would go for, though many are expecting the price tag to be $150.

I seriously doubt it would be that little, as each license would effectively be $50! That would be the steal of the century for Microsoft's software.. but they may prove me wrong if that really is the case. More likely though, it's probably going to be $200 or higher to preserve profit margins

If they stick a "This software may not be used for business purposes" sticker on it, it won't be that much different than how cheap they sell Office Home and Student edition.

The number of homes buying such a pack would also likely be minimal since most homes just use what the computer comes with and thus don't buy seperate operating systems.

"I seriously doubt it would be that little, as each license would effectively be $50! That would be the steal of the century for Microsoft's software"

I don't know what it will be. But if it is restricted to upgrades, I would not dismiss a low price. The reality is that few people upgrade PC operating systems. So most of these sales would be added profit. The going rate for the Student and Home version of Office is less and that edition boosted Microsoft's revenue and profit on Office.

OEMs can get their hands on it this Friday, while MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be able to get it on August 6. Consumers will have to wait until October 22.

How long do pirates have to wait?

This build has been available on many torrent trackers for a little while now. I'm not messing with it because I have the beta and don't feel like having to crack activation on the RTM leak. Hopefully the "Family Pack" pricing is somewhat accurate. I wouldn't bother if I had to pay $300+ to upgrade my laptop, desktop/HTPC, and girlfriend's laptop but I would definitely pay around $150 for 3 licenses.

I think that would really be helpful because lots of people have a few machines in the house and otherwise wouldn't bother upgrading most of them. With a package deal like that, more people are likely to install the newest version of the OS and take advantage of the home networking and other benefits you get with multiple machines running 7.

Originally posted by neodorian:This build has been available on many torrent trackers for a little while now. I'm not messing with it because I have the beta and don't feel like having to crack activation on the RTM leak. Hopefully the "Family Pack" pricing is somewhat accurate. I wouldn't bother if I had to pay $300+ to upgrade my laptop, desktop/HTPC, and girlfriend's laptop but I would definitely pay around $150 for 3 licenses.

You can run the build without activating for 30 days (up to 120 with slmgr -rearm). You can just install it now and activate it later after you buy it.

I installed the last RC on a laptop and spent a while with it. Can't say I'm a fan - it's nice that they seem to have gotten UAC working a lot better, but I really don't like a lot of the interface changes. The replacement of the Quicklaunch with "pinned apps" is wonky and unintuitive (and a pain in the ass, when a "pin" turns into a much wider app button and moves all the other "pins" to the left - as opposed to the QL, where the same buttons could be relied upon to be in the same place for clicking), and the start menu is APPALLINGLY blecherous - I seriously don't know what they were thinking with the way "All Programs" crams itself into that tiny left-hand column of the Luna-style start blob.

The RC also had a lot - I mean a LOT - of focus-related problems, with app or driver install dialogs that were supposed to be modal popping BEHIND existing windows where you had to go hunting for them. Presumably, they'll have that licked for the RTM?

Meh. I just feel like MS has been going entirely the wrong direction with majority of their interface changes ever since XP.

1) You can move the pinned and non pinned app icons around on the taskbar. Non-pinned apps always appear to the right of pinned apps. It doesn't get much easier or more consistent than that. I personally find the smartbar or whatever they call it to be a worthy replacement for the Quicklaunch bar I used all the time in both XP and Vista. It does the job of both UI elements in a smaller amount of space.

2) Who the hell is clicking "All Programs"? Did you even bother to learn how the start menu from Vista as well as 7 should be used? If you are clicking "All Programs" to find something - then you clearly haven't taken the time to understand the power MS has given you. Try typing the name of your program next time. Browsing through the start menu is a thing of the past.

3) I actually disagree. I think Vista made some important strides forward (esp in regards to the start menu mod I mentioned above). I think 7 takes it to the next level. If you'll take the time to pay attention, you'll notice that over time the windows interface is becoming more minimalistic. This is a good thing.

On a side note: You can turn off the Smartbar in 7 and use the same old shit if evolving isn't something you want to indulge in. So please, you are going to have to do better if you want to take pot shots at Windows 7. As far as I am concerned, it makes Vista look antiquated and makes XP seem downright broken in comparison. Windows 7 is what Vista should've been up front and is easily Microsoft's best release since Windows 2000 in my book.

Originally posted by The Shadow:The RC also had a lot - I mean a LOT - of focus-related problems, with app or driver install dialogs that were supposed to be modal popping BEHIND existing windows where you had to go hunting for them. Presumably, they'll have that licked for the RTM?

This is something i've noticed, more on one machine than another for some reason, but it still happens way more often than it should.

quote:

1) You can move the pinned and non pinned app icons around on the taskbar. Non-pinned apps always appear to the right of pinned apps. It doesn't get much easier or more consistent than that. I personally find the smartbar or whatever they call it to be a worthy replacement for the Quicklaunch bar I used all the time in both XP and Vista. It does the job of both UI elements in a smaller amount of space.

In this case he's talking about when you change to the 'combine when taskbar is full' button layout. Where your apps display Icon+Title and open side by side, in this case opening two instances (or even one with the title) of a pinned app pushes all other pinned apps to the right.

Personally i like the new default taskbar layout however i wish that min/maximizing/focusing apps with multiple windows/tabs/instances would work just by clicking the taskbar as in vista/xp/etc. without hovering to the preview.

sigh, "The power Microsoft has given you" ?? Just because they are not able to make a decent GRAPHICAL user interface you now have to type? Not that this is a bad thing but its a different approach. Personally I still prefer of having oh god a Gui which I can interact with with my mouse. Years of playing UT have made this very efficient and you do not have to switch all the time between mouse and keyboard which is a break in workflow.

So as I understand the RTM copy that leaked includes the unmodified RTM build files however it was not in ISO image form when it leaked. WZOR or whatever built a bootable ISO from those files, so the actual DVD hash might vary from the leaked one. I'd better wait till the MSDN Retail ISO leaks. I'll be getting my Ultimate product key from the Windows Feedback Program.

Originally posted by Mr. Green Hat:2) Who the hell is clicking "All Programs"? Did you even bother to learn how the start menu from Vista as well as 7 should be used? If you are clicking "All Programs" to find something - then you clearly haven't taken the time to understand the power MS has given you. Try typing the name of your program next time. Browsing through the start menu is a thing of the past.

I'm still clicking all programs. What is this "Try typing the name of the program" you speak of?

sigh, "The power Microsoft has given you" ?? Just because they are not able to make a decent GRAPHICAL user interface you now have to type? Not that this is a bad thing but its a different approach. Personally I still prefer of having oh god a Gui which I can interact with with my mouse.

This.

I think Vista is an excellent operating system - but I've sure as hell never typed programs into the search box to run them. Why would you ever do this, in a GUI ? When you have a mouse in your hand already?

Because it takes 30 seconds to cruise the start menu for OpenOffice, whereas all I have to do is type "op" (without the quotes) and it appears in the start menu ready to go. But I guess if you are a hunt and peck sort of typist, then typing those two letters could be less efficient....

I can't believe people here of all places haven't tried typing the name of the program they want to run into that massive textbox on the start menu. I mean duh. What the hell do you think it's there for? Even if you turn off Windows Search (which I used to do in Vista due to it's poor behavior on my laptops, though 7 has improved this), it'll still search the start menu.

To run Open Office (assuming it wasn't already a pinned app):

1) Hit Windows Key2) Type "op"3) Press down arrow4) Hit enter

That's way faster than using the mouse and watching the menu go through various states of expansion as you click your way through it to get to the app in question. Especially if you know what you are looking for.

Originally posted by The Shadow:The RC also had a lot - I mean a LOT - of focus-related problems, with app or driver install dialogs that were supposed to be modal popping BEHIND existing windows where you had to go hunting for them. Presumably, they'll have that licked for the RTM?

I haven't noticed that, but I seriously hope this is a feature, not a bug. I am (was) sick and tired of modal or other kinds of windows *STEALING* the focus while I'm in the middle of typing something or in a full-screen app. That used to irk me big time!

Make the relevant icon in the task bar glow/blink/whatever and let me know it requires my attention and I'll turn to it whenever *I* decide to, but for the love of FSM - do not steal my focus! I can't even count the times this has resulted in me sending part of an IM to the wrong person, sometimes to a rather embarrassing effect.

That's way faster than using the mouse and watching the menu go through various states of expansion as you click your way through it to get to the app in question.

Obviously true. Now does this mean that opening the startmenu with a mouse, switching with your hands to the keyboard, typing op and going back to the mouse to interact with the program is the better solution. (Esp. since you will sometimes not know the actual name of the program a problem I have with many intranet applications I use seldom)

Or does it mean that the Windows startmenu esp. in its current form sucks? I still use the Win95 menu on XP and have customized it a bit (esp. by removing all animations *shudder*) and I may not be faster than the typing version but I need 5-6 seconds max. to get to any given program. Without having to use the keyboard to work around the inefficiencies of the graphical user interface.

Originally posted by Mr. Green Hat:Because it takes 30 seconds to cruise the start menu for OpenOffice, whereas all I have to do is type "op" (without the quotes) and it appears in the start menu ready to go. But I guess if you are a hunt and peck sort of typist, then typing those two letters could be less efficient....

I can't believe people here of all places haven't tried typing the name of the program they want to run into that massive textbox on the start menu. I mean duh. What the hell do you think it's there for? Even if you turn off Windows Search (which I used to do in Vista due to it's poor behavior on my laptops, though 7 has improved this), it'll still search the start menu.

To run Open Office (assuming it wasn't already a pinned app):

1) Hit Windows Key2) Type "op"3) Press down arrow4) Hit enter

That's way faster than using the mouse and watching the menu go through various states of expansion as you click your way through it to get to the app in question. Especially if you know what you are looking for.

If you haven't figured it out yet, the only thing JPan cares about is finding an object with which he can bludgeon Windows. He's made the current Start menu this object today. It's so stupid it's not even worth responding to.

the only thing JPan cares about is finding an object with which he can bludgeon Windows

Cool I have a stalker. Not bad. The allegation is a bit weird given that I use Windows (XP) at home and at work and that I always preferred it greatly to any Linux alternatives that were propagated by rabid Linux fanboys at university. Arstechnica is the first site though that actually has Microsoft fanboys. I never saw them anywhere else on the web.

If I criticise a usability turd like Vista I have nothing personally against you b-ape. Do not worry ;-).

Originally posted by Mr. Green Hat:Because it takes 30 seconds to cruise the start menu for OpenOffice, whereas all I have to do is type "op" (without the quotes) and it appears in the start menu ready to go.

30 Seconds ?I keep my Start Menu organised, and it takes me around one seconds to find and run an application with the mouse. Even if it were significantly quicker to type the program name, I certainly wouldn't be taking my hand off the mouse and reaching over for the keyboard every time I wanted to launch an app.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Green Hat:I can't believe people here of all places haven't tried typing the name of the program they want to run into that massive textbox on the start menu. I mean duh. What the hell do you think it's there for?

Originally posted by Mr. Green Hat:...faster than using the mouse and watching the menu go through various states of expansion...

Stages ? The single stage of expansion takes no time at all - Windows caches the contents of your Start Menu to memory, and there's no lag in navigation after the first time.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Green Hat:...Especially if you know what you are looking for...

...and when you don't know what you're looking for, you don't have a hope in hell of typing it's name !I don't know about you, but I have lots (and lots) of applications installed on my Work machine right now - I quite often need to see the list in All Programs, to know exactly which program I want to launch.

The Action Pack is one of the best deals coming out of Microsoft. For $299 a year, you get more software than a small business can use. If you become a Certified Partner or Gold Partner, they dump even more licenses on you, eventually giving you 200 Windows 7 Enterprise licenses. I've been an Action Pack subscriber for some time now and it's been a good deal for me.

Originally posted by The Shadow:The RC also had a lot - I mean a LOT - of focus-related problems, with app or driver install dialogs that were supposed to be modal popping BEHIND existing windows where you had to go hunting for them. Presumably, they'll have that licked for the RTM?

Sounds to me like they've finally fixed the problem of anything-other-than-the-user being able to change the focus.When I'm typing, like right now, what could possibly be worse than a dialog box popping up and STEALING the focus from me, and then my next press of the space bar choosing the default option without me even seeing it ! The ramifications of this can be severe.

quote:

Originally posted by amesolaire:I haven't noticed that, but I seriously hope this is a feature, not a bug. I am (was) sick and tired of modal or other kinds of windows *STEALING* the focus while I'm in the middle of typing something or in a full-screen app. That used to irk me big time!

Ditto.

Things that are not me, should absolutely not be able to shift the focus away from what I'm using, ever.

Gee, maybe it's good to have multiple ways to launch a program and access things you want? Really, folks.

Personally I think OS X still has Windows beat on default install with the dock, spotlight, spaces, and exposé. Add Quicksilver and Witch and it's even better (and Butler if you're a control freak).

In Windows you can duplicate some of this with RocketDock or Free Launch Bar (I use the latter) and VirtuaWin. Launchy might act a bit like Quicksilver but I haven't tried it. Also Ubiquity for Firefox is cool in concept but I don't use it much. Haven't seen a Windows equivalent of Exposé yet.